Introductory Physiology PSL250 - Key Concepts Flashcards

15 flashcards covering core concepts from the PSL250 introductory physiology notes.

What is physiology?

The study of how the body works from the cellular to the organismal level, emphasizing mechanisms and cause‑and‑effect relationships based on experiments.

What are the two main subdisciplines of physiology?

Pathophysiology (disease/injury affecting physiological processes) and Comparative Physiology (differences and similarities across species).

Name four subdisciplines of physiology mentioned.

Respiratory physiology, Cardiovascular physiology, Muscle physiology, Neurophysiology.

What are the six levels of organization in the human body?

Chemical level (atoms and molecules), Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, Organism.

List the 10 regulated variables of the human body.

Arterial PO2; Arterial PCO2; [K+]; [Ca++]; blood pH; blood glucose; body temperature; blood pressure; blood volume; blood osmolarity.

What features determine if a variable is regulated?

It must be found in the blood, essential for life, and have a sensor to detect changes.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment despite changing internal or external conditions.

What are the three components of a homeostatic system?

Receptor, Control Center, and Effector.

What component detects a change in the stimulus?

Receptor.

What component brings about a change to the stimulus?

Effector.

In glucose homeostasis after a meal, what happens?

Blood glucose rises; the pancreas secretes insulin; insulin promotes glucose uptake by target tissues such as skeletal muscle.

What type of feedback is glucose regulation typically?

Negative feedback; the response opposes the stimulus.

What systems primarily regulate homeostasis?

Endocrine and nervous systems.

What is the simplest level of organization in the human body?

Atoms (chemical level).

What is cardiovascular physiology?

A subdiscipline of physiology that studies the heart and blood vessels.